Director of Communications

The City is seeking a dynamic communicator who can provide timely information to our community and tell our City's story in an honest, open and compelling manner. Our next Director of Communications will work with our entire organization to successfully promote the City's initiatives and activities and to serve as the City's spokesperson. The director will be responsible for developing strong relationships within the City government and with the local, regional and national media. He or she will need to possess excellent verbal and writing skills; direct the City's communications strategies; and coordinate the City's public relations activities.

The City expects our new director to be proficient and innovative in the use of electronic media, especially social media, to deliver important information to our residents, businesses, visitors and employees. The director must possess an understanding of the changing methods of communications and how best to utilize them in a City that embraces new technology while understanding that not all of our residents have access to the latest tablet or smartphone.

The Director of Communications will provide leadership for the Office of Communications, managing a team that oversees the City's website, social media activities, print material and three cable television channels – government, public and educational access. The director will also manage the City's internal communications efforts by developing a comprehensive plan to deliver information to our employees. The Director of Communications reports directly to the City Manager and works on a regular basis with senior staff in the organization.

The starting salary range is $80,263.95 to $100,000 annually, dependent on education and experience. The full salary range of this position is $80,263.95 to $178,554.28.

The City offers an excellent benefits program, including the option for participation in a Defined Benefits or Defined Contribution Retirement Plan. Reasonable relocation assistance will be available.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLSEducation: Any combination of experience and education equivalent to four-year degree in communications, public relations, journalism or English or related field.

Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in media relations, public relations or journalism.